A Lagos State University (LASU) dean is accused of subjecting students to inhumane treatment, including forcing them to stand in the rain, with audio evidence going viral and prompting threats from the professor
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]rofessor Olatunji Abanikanda, the Dean of the School of Agriculture at Lagos State University’s (LASU) Epe Campus, is reportedly threatening final-year students after audio and video evidence of alleged inhumane treatment went viral on social media.
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The outcry follows incidents where students were allegedly forced to endure harsh conditions, including standing in the rain for extended periods.
The controversy erupted 24 hours after blogs and posts on X exposed how Professor Abanikanda allegedly subjected students to degrading treatment on May 17, making them stand in the rain.
In one of the recorded messages, the dean, unaware he was being recorded, purportedly identified himself as a “Sango worshipper” and threatened to punish any student who offended him through spiritual means.
“I have told you, there’s none among you who doesn’t know me. I am an Onisango. I’ll treat your [expletive] up spiritually.
What gave you the audacity to go and sit down when I asked you to stand?” Abanikanda allegedly questioned a student.
When the student cited discomfort, the dean reportedly retorted, “Asking you to stand, was it intended to placate you or make you feel comfortable? I will make many things pain you, not just your leg. I will make your heart pain you.”
Students at the institution have appealed for justice, revealing that many living with asthma suffered attacks due to standing in the rain.
claim Professor Abanikanda has a history of subjecting students to harsh punishments.
I will make many things pain you, not just your leg. I will make your heart pain you.
Narrating the events that triggered the viral posts, students told FIJ that final-year students were ordered to stand in the rain for over two hours on the farm at 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday.
“He still delayed us until 10 pm with no food or water throughout the day. Some people even fainted, and someone had an asthma attack,” one student recounted.
“The video of us in the rain went viral, and we are being threatened by our dean. We need justice, please. We have gone through emotional abuse.”
Alumni have also come forward with similar allegations. Adebola, a former student, wrote on X, “Bro, this man literally put 6 extra-year students on 1 acre of land to clear 2 years ago just because he wanted to punish them to feed his ego.”
Another alumnus claimed that since Abanikanda became Dean in 2020, his leadership has stifled academic growth, describing his rule as one of “pride, ego and cruelty.”
Allegations include prioritising control over student welfare, turning farm practicals into punishments, and exposing students to unsafe conditions.
This same professor has made students repeat their final-year farm practical — not due to academic failure, but as punishment for perceived disrespect,” an alumnus stated.
Concerns were also raised that students who fall out of favour with the dean risk their graduation, regardless of academic performance.
When contacted, a LASU respondent asked FIJ to help prevent further circulation of the video to protect the university’s image.
“The management are working on it, and I am sure drastic action will be effected very, very soon. We are really working on it.
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They should try and stop any trend on social media so that we can protect the image of the university,” the respondent said.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
